Perry Plumbing's Blog

How High Tech Plumbing Solutions Solve Historic, Old Home Issues

On our family road trips, we often notice the beautiful old homes we pass. San Diego has a great share of gorgeous Craftsman, Mission and even Victorian manors.

While I appreciate the custom design and care owners have invested in these homes, I can’t stop the images of deteriorating lead pipes, root bound sewer lines and poor water quality due to deteriorating galvanized pipes from popping in my mind. I guess that’s the price of owning a San Diego Plumbing company! The good news for both homeowners and Perry Plumbing is that very effective, affordable, high-tech solutions exist for the plumbing issues in historic, old homes.

Common Plumbing Issues in San Diego’s Historic Homes

Aging Sewer Lines

The sewer and drain lines of homes built before 1970tend to be made of cast iron or clay. Residents are responsible for upkeep of this pipe from their home to the city’s line at the street. While iron and clay are strong materials, they do have their kryptonite: roots.

What makes San Diego’s historic homes even more beautiful are the big Oaks, Acacia and other trees shading the yards. Big trees make big roots which invade iron and clay sewer and drain lines at their seams. When we tell a homeowner the big tree should probably be removed, you would think we were talking about a favorite child. We get it: nowadays finding a tree trunk too large to wrap your arms around is hard to come by in San Diego. Luckily, Nu-Flow pipe re-lining technology prevents the tree man with his big saws and ropes from coming to your yard.

Nu-Flow is a pipe-in-pipe system consisting of an epoxy lining that molds to the diameter of the host pipe. The incredibly strong material has no joints to allow root intrusion. This means you get to keep the big tree! The new, seamless pipe prevents future root intrusion, too.

Rusty, smelly water due to breakdown in galvanized pipes

In homes built after 1950, builders often used galvanized pipes. After many years of use, rust and other contaminants build up in the pipes, reducing water quality. Clothing changing color in the wash, bad tasting drinking water and even lower water pressure are two signs you have deteriorating galvanized pipes. San Diego’s notorious hard water, too, adds to problems in galvanized pipes.

If you suspect deterioration, take a water sample and get it tested through your local plumber or Culligan’s free water testing program. If test results indicate a high level of rust or other contaminants, send for a San Diego Plumbing company.

Because galvanized pipes tend to get a tiny hole in one spot, it’s crucial to find the exact source of the leak. After all, digging through slabs and walls can disrupt the original wood flooring, molding, ceiling tiles and more that old or historic homes are known for. Perry Plumbing’s state-of-the-art electronic and thermal imaging leak detection equipment locates the precise source of the leak fast.

Old Pipes Don’t Play Well with Chemical Drain Cleaners

If the plumbing in your old or historic home seems intact at this point, congratulations! All you need to do then is to make sure it stays that way. The lines in your home as well as your sewer and drain lines will be more vulnerable to damage than those in your cousin’s home in a brand new development.

While your cousin may have more leeway pouring Liquid Plumber and other commercial drain cleaners into the bathroom sink, you should stick to less toxic, more “green” methods. These include using an enzymatic drain cleaner like Bio-Clean Green drain cleaner. Where chemical drain cleaners depend on chemical reactions that involve heat, corroding both plastic and other piping, enzymatic cleaners are simply bacteria which digest waste accumulated in pipes. It doesn’t harm any live tissue or even inorganic material. Hungry, it focuses only on organic waste like hair, grease, food particles cotton and sewage. It breaks this waste material into elements that plants use to thrive. A win-win all around!

Perry Plumbing’s High Tech Solutions Keep Historic Old Homes in Tact

Historic old homes give owners the opportunity to explore rich history of the area and the design style. However, we suggest that you do get the opinion on water quality, septic system and plumbing lines from your trusted San Diego plumbing company. Ask for a technician who has experience in historic homes. When you call Perry Plumbing at 619-472-2112, we’ll make sure to send out a historic home specialist. If you’re just considering an older home at this point, visit our website www.perryplumbing.com for more information on preventive maintenance, and to get your repair discount coupons!

Call Us 24/7: 619-472-2112

WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY

My experience with Perry Plumbing was outstanding. I'd say way above the expected service that one gets these days. I will, definitely, call Perry when I need any plumbing...

Amber V.

I have been very pleased with both Nathan and Will's work at my home. Both were professional, considerate, and made sure I knew what needed to be done. I'd highly recommend...

Guy D.

Marcos did an incredible work, he was punctual, personable, clean and explained every detail. Also the office contacted me in advance to let me know about the service and...

Cynthia

They responded immediately, gave a detailed description of the problem and fixed it quickly. I am very satisfied with the experience...

Richard M.

Courteous and professional. Took care to wear shoe covering to protect our floors, worked quietly and efficiently and gave us great tips to prevent further problems...

Alma M.

"Perry Plumbing" is the only company that showed up on time, was very courteous, respectful, and explained my plumbing problem in great detail, and then provided me an estimate (on-the-spot) of what the work would cost along with a great military discount!

Jim H.

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